Help & Information
Overview
Before heading to Melbourne Airport, it’s important to understand the security procedures in place so that your journey through the airport is as straightforward as possible.
In compliance with the Australian Government's aviation security regulations, any person entering a secure zone of the Domestic and International terminals or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.
These security procedures are in place to protect everyone. Please be patient at security screening and respectful of our security team while they perform their roles to keep you safe when travelling from Melbourne Airport.
What to expect
What to expect at the T2 & T3/T4 passenger screening point.
Any person entering a secure zone of the Domestic and International terminal or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.
The security infrastructure in T2 (International) and T3/T4 (Domestic) has undergone significant enhancements to bolster passenger safety and streamline the screening process. The state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced body scanners and cutting-edge CT x-ray technology, enhances the detection capabilities of potential threats and offers travellers an efficient and less intrusive screening experience.
Melbourne Airport adheres to government-mandated regulations and has incorporated body scanning technology as the essential security measure for accessing secure areas in Terminal 2 (International) and Terminals 3 and 4 (Domestic).
As part of our commitment to security and safety, all passengers are required to undergo this screening process.
Requests for alternative screening methods, including 'pat-down' searches, are not accepted without appropriate evidence.
To request an alternative process, passengers must provide a letter from a medical practitioner indicating a specific requirement. Failure to provide suitable evidence may result in being refused entry to the secure area unless you submit to body scanner screening.
Check the body scanner section of this website for more information.
Passenger screening process – T2 (International) and T3/T4 (Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex)
- Place all personal items, wallets or purses in your carry-on baggage and place in a tray. Please note that laptops can now remain in your carry-on baggage.
- Place your bag of liquid, aerosol and gel items in the tray (departing T2 international only). Please note that there are restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onboard international flights. Check the TravelSECURE website for more information.
- Place any containers of powders in a separate tray (departing T2 international only). Please note that there are restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onboard international flights. Check the TravelSECURE website for more information.
- Place metallic (keys, coins) and electronic (mobile phones) items from your pockets in the tray.
- Remove bulky outer wear clothing (e.g. coats, jacket), hats and jewellery, and place them in the tray.
- Inform our security team if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
- At the direction of security screening staff please proceed through the body scanner or walkthrough metal detector.
- You may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared if an issue is identified. This may include other screening methods (hand-held metal detector, frisk search).
- You may also be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing after proceeding through the initial screening process.
More information on the passenger screening process can be found on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.
What to expect at the T1 passenger screening point.
Any person entering a secure zone of the Domestic and International terminal or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.
Passenger screening process – T1 (Qantas)
- Place all personal items, wallets or purses in your carry-on baggage and place in a tray. Please note that laptops, tablets, or aerosols can now remain in your carry-on baggage.
- Place metallic (keys, coins) and electronic (mobile phones) items from your pockets in the tray.
- Remove bulky outer wear clothing (e.g. coats, jacket), hats and jewellery, and place them in the tray.
- Inform our security team if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
- At the direction of security screening staff please proceed through the walkthrough metal detector.
- You may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared if an issue is identified. This may include other screening methods (hand-held metal detector, frisk search).
- You may also be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing after proceeding through the initial screening process.
More information on the passenger screening process can be found on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.
Body scanner requirements
Body scanner security screening is mandatory for all travellers entering the sterile areas of Terminal 2 (International) and Terminals 3 and 4 (Domestic). It will be introduced to Terminal 1 (Domestic) from August 2024.
While you have the right to decline any screening process, please be aware that without undergoing this screening, you will not be permitted to proceed to the boarding gate or board your flight.
If you need to refuse body scanning screening for medical reasons or another specific circumstance, you must provide a letter from a medical practitioner. This letter should clearly state why you cannot undertake the screening process with the specific screening technology. Our security team is committed to accommodating your needs once we receive the appropriate documentation.
If the provided documentation does not specifically address the inability to use the screening technology in place at Melbourne Airport, you will need to complete body scanner screening to advance to your gate and board your flight.
Melbourne Airport adheres strictly to the guidelines set by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
What are body scanners?
All body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology. This means they do not emit ionising radiation like that of x-rays.
The low intensity waves and short duration of the scan means you are exposed to less energy than other common everyday devices such as mobile phones. The millimetre-waves are reflected off the surface of the skin and do not penetrate the body.
There are no known health risks from undergoing a scan so travellers who have a medical condition or are pregnant should not be concerned.
Privacy is something we take seriously at Melbourne Airport. When screened, your privacy is protected as the body scanners display a generic stick figure with no identifying features. No individual scans or personal information can be stored or transmitted.
Visit the Travelsecure website for information about body scanners.
What is an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) test?
Aviation Security Officers may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives. Officers must carry out ETD tests on a random and continuous basis to meet regulatory requirements. If you're selected for a random ETD test, and you decline to undergo testing, you will not be permitted past the security screening point to board your aircraft.
Visit the Australian Government’s TravelSecure website for further information about ETD screening.
Travelling with powders, liquids, aerosols & gels.
International travel
If you're travelling overseas, there are restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels and some powders you may carry onboard, including those purchased from duty free. These restrictions apply to all passengers leaving on international flights, as well as those transiting and/or travelling on the domestic leg of an international flight within Australia. Exemptions apply for medicines, medical products, medical devices and baby products that you may need during your journey.
Visit the TravelSECURE website for more information.
If you are still unsure about what you can or cannot take on your flight, we recommend contacting your airline before travelling.
Domestic travel
Flights within Australia are not subject to PLAGs restrictions for onboard baggage. However, if you are travelling domestically, but departing from T2 International, you are subject to powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.
Visit the TravelSECURE website for more information.
Screening carry-on baggage.
Baggage screening is an important measure to improve your security when flying to and from Australia. If you refuse to allow the security screening officer to screen your carry-on bags, you will not be permitted to pass through the security point to board your aircraft.
Some items cannot be taken onboard an aircraft as they have the potential to be used to harm other passengers and crew. A full list of these items can be found on the Australian Government’s TravelSECURE website.
Travellers requiring special assistance.
If you require special assistance when travelling through the airport, look out for our dedicated special assistance lanes at the security screening point. These lanes are staffed by security officers specifically trained to assist you and help make the security screening process smoother.
Travellers with vision impairment.
Our Security Screening Officers will conduct a visual assessment of all people, as they proceed towards the security screening lanes, to determine the best screening requirements in accordance with government regulations.
When the Security Screening Officer identifies that someone may have a vision impairment they will discreetly ask the person if they require assistance. The offer of assistance can be declined and the person can proceed through the security screening process unassisted.
In some cases, our Security Screening Officers may not immediately identify that a person has a vision impairment or that the person requires additional assistance. If you do require assistance, please alert a Security Screening Officer and allow them to organise your care before you proceed through any of the security processes. If you are accompanied by a caregiver or an airline representative they can alert the Security Screening Officer for you.
Travelling with children and/or infants.
Security screening for children and infants
All travellers, including children, must pass through the security screening point. Children can be carried by an adult if they cannot walk on their own. Strollers and prams must be screened along with other carry-on baggage. Please note: Many airlines do not allow these items in the cabin due to space and stowage constraints.
If you're unsure, check with your airline before you travel.
Carry-on baby products
There are no restrictions on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can take onboard a domestic flight for a baby or infant. However, if you are connecting to an international flight or if your domestic flight is departing from an international terminal, limits will apply.
You are allowed to carry onboard a reasonable quantity of inorganic powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items for a baby or infant for international flights. Pack only what you need for the duration of a flight and any delays that may occur. There are no quantity restrictions for organic powders such as powdered baby formula.
For more information about travelling with children visit the Travellers with specific needs page of the TravelSecure website.
Travelling with medicine.
There may be occasions when you need to travel with medicines or medical equipment. Exemptions can be made in these cases to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey. It is recommended that you contact your airline to find out what can be carried through security screenings and on board your flight.
For information about travelling with medicines visit the Travellers with specific needs page of the TravelSECURE website.
Travelling with medical devices
We have been working with the Department of Home Affairs to seek an amendment to our current screening legislation. Thanks to this collaboration, we have successfully advocated for a change in our authorised screening procedures. This change went into effect on the 30th October 2023.
Thanks to this change, when someone with a prosthetic or external medical device comes to a screening checkpoint, they can be assessed with more flexibility.
It is possible for a flexible assessment if:
1. The traveller provides medical documentation (from a medical doctor - GP, surgeon, etc.)
2. Specific information about how the screening technology, like a body scanner, will interact with the device.
Our screening personnel have been advised to ensure that they adhere to the legally required screening procedures and take into account the medical evidence provided.Screening procedures for film canisters with and without sealed packaging.
Sealed packaging -film canisters will be required to be removed from box by passenger, presented to ISS for visual inspection and Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) of canister with LID ON.
Film canisters not in sealed packing - regardless if processed/or unprocessed will require visual inspection and ETD of canister with LID OFF.
Note: Cameras with film, are subject to primary screening via x-ray, unless passenger opts to remove film for secondary screening.
What to expect at the T2 & T3/T4 passenger screening point.
Any person entering a secure zone of the Domestic and International terminal or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.
The security infrastructure in T2 (International) and T3/T4 (Domestic) has undergone significant enhancements to bolster passenger safety and streamline the screening process. The state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced body scanners and cutting-edge CT x-ray technology, enhances the detection capabilities of potential threats and offers travellers an efficient and less intrusive screening experience.
Melbourne Airport adheres to government-mandated regulations and has incorporated body scanning technology as the essential security measure for accessing secure areas in Terminal 2 (International) and Terminals 3 and 4 (Domestic).
As part of our commitment to security and safety, all passengers are required to undergo this screening process.
Requests for alternative screening methods, including 'pat-down' searches, are not accepted without appropriate evidence.
To request an alternative process, passengers must provide a letter from a medical practitioner indicating a specific requirement. Failure to provide suitable evidence may result in being refused entry to the secure area unless you submit to body scanner screening.
Check the body scanner section of this website for more information.
Passenger screening process – T2 (International) and T3/T4 (Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex)
- Place all personal items, wallets or purses in your carry-on baggage and place in a tray. Please note that laptops can now remain in your carry-on baggage.
- Place your bag of liquid, aerosol and gel items in the tray (departing T2 international only). Please note that there are restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onboard international flights. Check the TravelSECURE website for more information.
- Place any containers of powders in a separate tray (departing T2 international only). Please note that there are restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onboard international flights. Check the TravelSECURE website for more information.
- Place metallic (keys, coins) and electronic (mobile phones) items from your pockets in the tray.
- Remove bulky outer wear clothing (e.g. coats, jacket), hats and jewellery, and place them in the tray.
- Inform our security team if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
- At the direction of security screening staff please proceed through the body scanner or walkthrough metal detector.
- You may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared if an issue is identified. This may include other screening methods (hand-held metal detector, frisk search).
- You may also be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing after proceeding through the initial screening process.
More information on the passenger screening process can be found on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.
What to expect at the T1 passenger screening point.
Any person entering a secure zone of the Domestic and International terminal or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.
Passenger screening process – T1 (Qantas)
- Place all personal items, wallets or purses in your carry-on baggage and place in a tray. Please note that laptops, tablets, or aerosols can now remain in your carry-on baggage.
- Place metallic (keys, coins) and electronic (mobile phones) items from your pockets in the tray.
- Remove bulky outer wear clothing (e.g. coats, jacket), hats and jewellery, and place them in the tray.
- Inform our security team if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
- At the direction of security screening staff please proceed through the walkthrough metal detector.
- You may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared if an issue is identified. This may include other screening methods (hand-held metal detector, frisk search).
- You may also be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing after proceeding through the initial screening process.
More information on the passenger screening process can be found on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.
Body scanner requirements
Body scanner security screening is mandatory for all travellers entering the sterile areas of Terminal 2 (International) and Terminals 3 and 4 (Domestic). It will be introduced to Terminal 1 (Domestic) from August 2024.
While you have the right to decline any screening process, please be aware that without undergoing this screening, you will not be permitted to proceed to the boarding gate or board your flight.
If you need to refuse body scanning screening for medical reasons or another specific circumstance, you must provide a letter from a medical practitioner. This letter should clearly state why you cannot undertake the screening process with the specific screening technology. Our security team is committed to accommodating your needs once we receive the appropriate documentation.
If the provided documentation does not specifically address the inability to use the screening technology in place at Melbourne Airport, you will need to complete body scanner screening to advance to your gate and board your flight.
Melbourne Airport adheres strictly to the guidelines set by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
What are body scanners?
All body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology. This means they do not emit ionising radiation like that of x-rays.
The low intensity waves and short duration of the scan means you are exposed to less energy than other common everyday devices such as mobile phones. The millimetre-waves are reflected off the surface of the skin and do not penetrate the body.
There are no known health risks from undergoing a scan so travellers who have a medical condition or are pregnant should not be concerned.
Privacy is something we take seriously at Melbourne Airport. When screened, your privacy is protected as the body scanners display a generic stick figure with no identifying features. No individual scans or personal information can be stored or transmitted.
Visit the Travelsecure website for information about body scanners.
What is an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) test?
Aviation Security Officers may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives. Officers must carry out ETD tests on a random and continuous basis to meet regulatory requirements. If you're selected for a random ETD test, and you decline to undergo testing, you will not be permitted past the security screening point to board your aircraft.
Visit the Australian Government’s TravelSecure website for further information about ETD screening.
Travelling with powders, liquids, aerosols & gels.
International travel
If you're travelling overseas, there are restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels and some powders you may carry onboard, including those purchased from duty free. These restrictions apply to all passengers leaving on international flights, as well as those transiting and/or travelling on the domestic leg of an international flight within Australia. Exemptions apply for medicines, medical products, medical devices and baby products that you may need during your journey.
Visit the TravelSECURE website for more information.
If you are still unsure about what you can or cannot take on your flight, we recommend contacting your airline before travelling.
Domestic travel
Flights within Australia are not subject to PLAGs restrictions for onboard baggage. However, if you are travelling domestically, but departing from T2 International, you are subject to powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.
Visit the TravelSECURE website for more information.
Screening carry-on baggage.
Baggage screening is an important measure to improve your security when flying to and from Australia. If you refuse to allow the security screening officer to screen your carry-on bags, you will not be permitted to pass through the security point to board your aircraft.
Some items cannot be taken onboard an aircraft as they have the potential to be used to harm other passengers and crew. A full list of these items can be found on the Australian Government’s TravelSECURE website.
Travellers requiring special assistance.
If you require special assistance when travelling through the airport, look out for our dedicated special assistance lanes at the security screening point. These lanes are staffed by security officers specifically trained to assist you and help make the security screening process smoother.
Travellers with vision impairment.
Our Security Screening Officers will conduct a visual assessment of all people, as they proceed towards the security screening lanes, to determine the best screening requirements in accordance with government regulations.
When the Security Screening Officer identifies that someone may have a vision impairment they will discreetly ask the person if they require assistance. The offer of assistance can be declined and the person can proceed through the security screening process unassisted.
In some cases, our Security Screening Officers may not immediately identify that a person has a vision impairment or that the person requires additional assistance. If you do require assistance, please alert a Security Screening Officer and allow them to organise your care before you proceed through any of the security processes. If you are accompanied by a caregiver or an airline representative they can alert the Security Screening Officer for you.
Travelling with children and/or infants.
Security screening for children and infants
All travellers, including children, must pass through the security screening point. Children can be carried by an adult if they cannot walk on their own. Strollers and prams must be screened along with other carry-on baggage. Please note: Many airlines do not allow these items in the cabin due to space and stowage constraints.
If you're unsure, check with your airline before you travel.
Carry-on baby products
There are no restrictions on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can take onboard a domestic flight for a baby or infant. However, if you are connecting to an international flight or if your domestic flight is departing from an international terminal, limits will apply.
You are allowed to carry onboard a reasonable quantity of inorganic powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items for a baby or infant for international flights. Pack only what you need for the duration of a flight and any delays that may occur. There are no quantity restrictions for organic powders such as powdered baby formula.
For more information about travelling with children visit the Travellers with specific needs page of the TravelSecure website.
Travelling with medicine.
There may be occasions when you need to travel with medicines or medical equipment. Exemptions can be made in these cases to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey. It is recommended that you contact your airline to find out what can be carried through security screenings and on board your flight.
For information about travelling with medicines visit the Travellers with specific needs page of the TravelSECURE website.
Travelling with medical devices
We have been working with the Department of Home Affairs to seek an amendment to our current screening legislation. Thanks to this collaboration, we have successfully advocated for a change in our authorised screening procedures. This change went into effect on the 30th October 2023.
Thanks to this change, when someone with a prosthetic or external medical device comes to a screening checkpoint, they can be assessed with more flexibility.
It is possible for a flexible assessment if:
1. The traveller provides medical documentation (from a medical doctor - GP, surgeon, etc.)
2. Specific information about how the screening technology, like a body scanner, will interact with the device.
Our screening personnel have been advised to ensure that they adhere to the legally required screening procedures and take into account the medical evidence provided.
Screening procedures for film canisters with and without sealed packaging.
Sealed packaging -film canisters will be required to be removed from box by passenger, presented to ISS for visual inspection and Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) of canister with LID ON.
Film canisters not in sealed packing - regardless if processed/or unprocessed will require visual inspection and ETD of canister with LID OFF.
Note: Cameras with film, are subject to primary screening via x-ray, unless passenger opts to remove film for secondary screening.
Airport security
Airport security overview
The safety of those at Melbourne Airport is of the utmost importance to us, which is why security is always a top priority.
We operate as per the stringent security standards set by the Federal Government and have an Australian Federal Police unit located onsite.
To help you understand more about some of the security measures taken at Melbourne Airport, we have explained them below.
Picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport.
If you are picking up or dropping off passengers in front of the terminals, you must not leave your vehicle unattended at any point. Unattended vehicles will be immediately fined and may be towed.
So long as they are attended, vehicles may remain in the pick up/drop off zone for 5 minutes. If you require longer, there is a 20-minute free wait zone.
Additional information for picking up or dropping off can be found here.
Can I leave my baggage unattended?
No, baggage must not be left unattended in public areas of the airport. Unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious. It is recommended that your baggage should be clearly tagged with your contact details.
Threats or comments regarding carrying weapons or explosives.
Please be warned that any threats or comments made by airport visitors about carrying weapons or explosives will be taken seriously, regardless of intent.
Penalties include refusal of carriage onto your flight and prosecution.
Advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services.
For all advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services, visit the Federal Government’s Smart Traveller website.
Additional information
For more aviation security information, visit the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.
For Australian Government airport security screening information, including videos, fact sheets and key pages that have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, see here.
Airport security overview
The safety of those at Melbourne Airport is of the utmost importance to us, which is why security is always a top priority.
We operate as per the stringent security standards set by the Federal Government and have an Australian Federal Police unit located onsite.
To help you understand more about some of the security measures taken at Melbourne Airport, we have explained them below.
Picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport.
If you are picking up or dropping off passengers in front of the terminals, you must not leave your vehicle unattended at any point. Unattended vehicles will be immediately fined and may be towed.
So long as they are attended, vehicles may remain in the pick up/drop off zone for 5 minutes. If you require longer, there is a 20-minute free wait zone.
Additional information for picking up or dropping off can be found here.
Can I leave my baggage unattended?
No, baggage must not be left unattended in public areas of the airport. Unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious. It is recommended that your baggage should be clearly tagged with your contact details.
Threats or comments regarding carrying weapons or explosives.
Please be warned that any threats or comments made by airport visitors about carrying weapons or explosives will be taken seriously, regardless of intent.
Penalties include refusal of carriage onto your flight and prosecution.
Advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services.
For all advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services, visit the Federal Government’s Smart Traveller website.
Additional information
For more aviation security information, visit the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.
For Australian Government airport security screening information, including videos, fact sheets and key pages that have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, see here.